Historic New Zealand Play 'The Land of the Moa' Comes to Life.

The play was last performed in New Zealand and Australia during the 1890's and was billed as a sensation melodrama which meant that it had all the bells and whistles of it's time including 10 tons of portable scenery.

In keeping with the original lavish set, our performance was regaled with a special hand painted set by our very own master painter: Jay-R Nazareno. As you will see from the photos included, Jay-R designed and completed the set to a beautifully high standard and his work really did transport us all back to the Pink and White Terraces of Lake Tarawera.

Working backstage, on 'front of house,' Kelly Jordan single-handedly designed and produced a range of impressive advertising, ticketing and programmes along with providing a delicious range of refreshments.

As The Land of the Moa was a full length, two and a half hour, five act performance it called for a cast of tenacious, talented actors... available in our Senior Drama class along with supporting actors from Year 10 Drama. There was a range of high quality acting which provided the audience with a lot of entertainment.

Maddy Sweetman shone as the loveable fast-talking rascal, Sam Noblem, as did Chloe Turner taking the part of Sam Noblem's beautiful niece, Mavis. Mavis' love interest and knight in shining armour was brilliantly brought to life by Nikita Crestani as Jack, whilst Emma O'Callaghan capably played Jack's loyal and long-suffering friend, Harold Walkedon (Hal). Tiara Tiania was commanding as Wangarita, the fiery aging kuia of the Ngapuhi.

Kahlen Harnett, playing the young warrior, Roto, and Corianna Kitchin playing the noble and brave Kura, never missed a beat, whilst Ellagrea Rollo lurked menacingly and schemed continuously as the arch villain, Capias Marks. Joseph Souza, as the great Rewi (Chief of the Ngapuhi) played his role with aplomb, whilst Daniel Gibbens navigated the difficult role of three different supporting characters, the villain Prescott, and the good natured Captains Davies and Chalmers (not an easy task).

Olivia Johannsen made a strong debut as Sandy the Scottish publican from the Gorse and Heather along with two other roles. While our other Year 10's Samantha Fahey, Mary Burgess, Alyssa Rose and Kayla Lyford also shone in various supporting roles.

Congratulations to our fabulous cast and stage crew for their hard work and dedication in bringing this treasure from our past to life once again, I am sure George Leitch, who wrote and starred in the original performance as Sam Noblem, would have been proud.